Pet Worx – Canister Filter

External canister filters are one of the best ways to increase filtration capacity without filling the aquarium with equipment. We stock the Pet Worx WXF range because it gives aquarists the combination of strong flow, generous media capacity, and customisable filtration that's needed for larger tanks, heavier stocking levels, and more demanding setups.

The large media capacity is a major advantage. You can run mechanical media to capture waste, biological media to provide a large home for beneficial bacteria, and chemical media when additional water polishing is needed. Being able to customise the media also means the filter can adapt as your aquarium and its requirements change.

The WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models take things a step further with an integrated 9W UV steriliser, which can be particularly useful for aquarists dealing with green water or looking for additional control of free-floating microorganisms. We also like the practical features such as self-priming, quick-release connections, adjustable flow, and the spray bar outlet, which make a high-capacity canister more approachable for everyday aquarium keeping.

Pet Worx has been established in Australia since 1980, and we stock the range because we want our customers to have access to filtration from an established brand when their fish are relying on that equipment to run continuously.

Always unplug the canister filter before performing maintenance, disconnecting hoses, or removing the filter from its cabinet. Never allow the filter to run dry, as the pump can be damaged if it operates without water.

Clean mechanical filter media when it becomes visibly dirty or when you notice a noticeable reduction in flow. Rinse biological media in old tank water removed during a water change rather than tap water, as chlorine and chloramines can damage the beneficial bacteria colony. Avoid replacing or thoroughly cleaning all biological media at once, as this can remove a large portion of your established bacteria and disrupt your nitrogen cycle.

Inspect the impeller and impeller housing periodically and remove any debris, algae, or calcium build-up that may restrict the impeller or cause increased operating noise. Check the impeller shaft and surrounding components for signs of wear before reassembling.

Check the inlet strainer, hoses, spray bar, and other water flow components regularly for blockages. These areas can accumulate debris and algae over time, reducing circulation even when the filter media itself is clean. Clean or rinse them as required to maintain good flow.

Inspect the canister's seals, O-rings, hose connections, and quick-release fittings during maintenance. If you notice water around the filter or connections, switch the filter off immediately and identify the source before continuing operation. Keep the canister positioned securely and ensure the hoses are not sharply kinked or crushed.

For the WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models, clean and inspect the UV chamber periodically according to the manufacturer's maintenance requirements. The UV bulb's effectiveness decreases over time even when the bulb still appears to be working, so replace the UV lamp when required. Never look directly at an operating UV-C lamp, as UV-C radiation can damage your eyes and skin.

When using chemical media such as activated carbon, replace it according to the media manufacturer's recommended replacement period or when its effectiveness has been exhausted. Do not rely on chemical media as a substitute for regular water changes and proper mechanical and biological filtration.

After servicing the filter, make sure the canister is properly filled and primed before switching it back on. Check all connections carefully for leaks and confirm that water is flowing normally before leaving the filter unattended.